Privacy in the Workplace--A WebQuest

Emerging Business Issues--A WebQuest

Privacy in the Workplace

Introduction

One of the emerging business issues that has surfaced during the 1990's concerns employers monitoring worker's use of computers in the workplace. Although many feel that employers have the right to exercise control over the employee's time and use of office equipment, there is a fine line between maximizing productivity and invading privacy.

The Task

The following topic is to be the subject of a classroom debate.
Privacy in the Workplace

When employers provide Internet Access at work, should they be allowed to monitor employees' usage and read their e-mail messages?

This webquest will provide you with an opportunity to use the Internet to read some of the current literature. You will interview workers and employers to learn both their affirmative and negative positions. You may also choose to research print resources to gather your data. You must be prepared to debate the pros and cons of this hot topic and prepare a written summary of the findings.

The Process

Break into groups of 4 people

Use the Internet to explore the specific sites that have been identified for you in this webquest. (Print resources may also be sued to supplement the internet search.)

Half of your group will represent the affirmative side. The other half of your group will represent the negative side of the issue.

Interview 2 workers and 2 employers and note their opinions about privacy in the workplace as it relates to the debate topic.

After completing your research, use Microsoft Word to list the arguments that support your assigned point of view.

Conference with your partner to prepare for the debate.

Prepare a list of talking points.

As a closing activity, following the debate, the class will brainstorm and create a summary of affirmative and negative points about the issue and form a consensus opinion.

Internet Resources:

The links below are examples of good places to start. You may also SEARCH for other sites that explore the topic. Be sure to properly evaluate any website you use.
Computers and E-Mail on the Job

Electronic Privacy Rights: the Workplace

The Right to Privacy

Technological Surveillance

The Walls Have Eyes

A variety of print sources (books, magazines and newspapers) and non-print resources (electronic databases) are available in the library to aid you in your research.
The librarians can also be a valuable resource.

Evaluation

Beginning
1
Developing
2
Accomplished
3
Exemplary
4
Score

Given a specific issue, the student will be able to access current and historical data through the internet to discover affirmative and negative positions taken.

One to two internet sources are used and cited. Rough notes printed materials must be shown.

Two to four internet sources are used and cited. 1 employee and 1 employer are interviewed (must name sources) Rough notes or printed materials must be shown

Four to six internet sources are used and cited. At least 1 print resources are used and cited. Two employees and two employers are interviewed (must name sources) Rough notes or printed materials must be shown.

Six or more internet sources are used and cited. At least 2 print resources are used and cited. Two employees and two employers are interviewed (must name sources)

Rough notes or printed materials must be shown.

The student will be able to analyze data collected and organize the data into meaningful information

A list of 1 to 2 affirmative or negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat format.

A list of 3 to 5 affirmative or negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat and well prepared format using Microsoft Word.

A list of 6 to 9 affirmative or negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat and well prepared format using Microsoft Word.

A list of 10 or more affirmative or negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat and well prepared format using Microsoft Word.

In debate format and using information developed, students will be able to express and defend affirmative or negative positions on a given issue from various points of view

The student is not well prepared and demonstrates a minimum level of understanding of the topic being debated.

The student is somewhat prepared and demonstrates a moderate understanding of the topic being debated.

The student is well prepared, articulate, persuasive, appropriately dressed, and dynamic to a degree compensorate with scholastic level.

The student is well prepared articulate, persuasive, appropriately dressed, and dynamic to an exemplary degree.

Students will be able to write a summary of affirmative and negative points about the issue from both the employer and employee point of view using Microsoft Word or Powerpoint

A list of 1 to 2 affirmative and negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat format.

A list of 3 to 5 affirmative and negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat and well prepared format using Microsoft Word.

A list of 6 to 9 affirmative and negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat and well prepared format using Microsoft Word.

A list of 10 or more affirmative and negative points to support the position taken is prepared in a neat and well prepared format using Microsoft Word.

Conclusion

As a result of completing this Webquest, you will have gained an understanding of the emerging business issue of privacy in the workplace. You should have an appreciation for both sides of this issue from the point of view of the employer and the employee and should be able to form an independent opinion for yourself based on all of this information.

You have also had an opportunity to use the internet as a research tool in your quest for information. This research tool will serve to supplement other tools you have used in the past to study other topics of interest.

Credits & References

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

Graphics: http://hal-pc.org/journal/typloop.gif

Updated 1/20/05